asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that the allocation of funds to Louth County Council for the local government improvements scheme has been substantially reduced in real terms over the last number of years with the result that there is now a ten year waiting list for work under this heading and that hundreds of families are in very difficult circumstances as a result of an insufficient allocation of funds to allow Louth County Council to do this essential work; if he will reexamine the allocation and give favourable consideration to a substantial increase in the current allocation of funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Local Government Improvements Scheme.
311.
The annual grant allocations under the Local Improvements Scheme are determined with regard inter alia to the need to attract EEC moneys under the Western Package. Eastern counties, including Louth, are not affected by that package.
As the funds for this scheme for 1983 have already been fully allocated, I am unable to make a further allocation to Louth County Council.